Mold looks for warmth, food, and moisture. In order for it to grow it needs all three of these things. Mold often finds a place to grow in kitchens, bathrooms, or basements, but if the conditions are favorable it can grow in other rooms as well. Climate can affect molds ability to grow, as can the living habits of the household.
Mold spores thrive in damp and wet parts of the home. Any area that has had flooding or leakage, such as the roof, walls, or pipes, or the areas around houseplants, is susceptible to mold growth. In as little as 48 hours, the room temperature conditions combined with a moist environment as well as a food source can lead to the growth of mold.
Some of the things and places that mold may grow in a home include:
- Clothing
- Cloth
- Wood products
- Leather
- Upholstery
- Curtains
- Carpet
- Cardboard
- Paper
- Rags
- Books
- Ductwork
- Ceiling tiles
- Wallpaper
- Dust
Once the mold spores are supplied with the food that they need, they can grow on almost any type of surface that is provided. The best temperatures for mold growth are between forty and one hundred degrees Fahrenheit. If you have an area in your home that is warm enough and is damp or humid, and also contains the items that mold prefers to eat, you could quickly develop a mold problem.
If you develop a mold problem, you can typically clean it up yourself using a detergent and water. You will need to make sure that you dry the area completely. If the mold has grown into a large space in your home, you may need to call in a professional to make sure that it gets cleaned up thoroughly so that you do not end up with health issues because of it.